Delicious Chocolate Treat

I would love to share with you a delicious chocolate treat recipe that my family and I enjoy.

Chocolate is a treat brimming with healthy ingredients. Is it too good to be true that eating dark chocolate, not only could be beneficial for your heart, but also may improve brain function, mood and alleviate stress?

Fortunately, a number of studies confirm that chocolate with at least 70% cacao can be a heart-healthy choice offering the above benefits. It may help lower blood pressure and improve vascular function. Some research has linked dark chocolate consumption to reduced risks of diabetes and stroke, but more research is needed to confirm these results.

If you want to add chocolate to your diet, do so in moderation.  The recommended amount is 1 ounce a day-- about 1 square of chocolate.  Most chocolate has ingredients that add saturated fat, sugar and calories. And too much can contribute to weight gain, a risk factor for high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.

The recipe below also contains other healthy ingredients:

Pistachios: Nuts are included in the healthy Mediterranean diet. Studies link this diet to many health benefits, including heart and brain health. A serving size of nuts is one ounce or a handful.

Cherries: These are a potent source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Several studies have suggested that cherry consumption is beneficial for osteoarthritis sufferers.

Ginger: This may help relieve nausea, and it also is an anti-inflammatory. Crystallized ginger should be enjoyed in moderation due to its very high sugar content.

Delicious Chocolate Treat Recipe

Ingredients

• ½ cup dried cherries or cranberries or chopped apricots
• ½ cup crystallized ginger coarsely chopped
• ½ - ¾ cup roasted, shelled pistachios or other nuts
• 2 cups bittersweet or dark chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
2. Place mini baking cups on the baking tray.
3. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler over barely simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth. Or melt the chocolate in the microwave.
4. Take the chocolate off the stove and add the other ingredients and stir until mixed.
5. Drop one teaspoonful of the mixture in each baking cups.
6. Chill in the fridge or freezer until firm, about an hour.
7. Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

“As with most fine things, chocolate has its season. There is a simple memory aid that you can use to determine whether it is the correct time to order chocolate dishes: any month whose name contains the letter A, E, or U is the proper time for chocolate.” 
― Sandra Boynton, Chocolate: The Consuming Passion